A writer inspired by nature and human nature

The poem “Milkweed Wishes for Monarchs” was inspired during a walk out to the mailbox one morning when I spotted an exploding milkweed pod in all its glory. I ran back into the house to grab my camera and was delighted with the results. I also captured a shot of two more pods mostly intact and picked them for a friend (photo below).

I am a writer inspired by nature and human nature. As a retired elementary and middle school teacher, a wife, mother of two and grandmother of five, I live in Central Maine on a 37-acre renovated farmstead where I enjoy reading, writing, gardening, walking and reveling in the beauty of nature. I advocate for children and families, for childhood literacy and for the conservation of monarch butterflies—an endangered species (and milkweed, the only plant that monarch caterpillars will eat).

My children’s book AMAZING MATILDA follows an amazing monarch butterfly through her metamorphosis. I wrote and illustrated this picture book to inspire kids to have patience and to follow their dreams.

Hi, Michelle. Thanks so much for reading, my friend. I was thrilled to have captured the moment on camera and could hardly wait to pen the poem. Sending hugs right back to you. Blessings to you and yours every day! ❤

Monarchs are not native to Europe; but to me a butterfly’s (any genus) is a great analogy for human life at any stage. It was British colonists who named the monarch after a colonial governor in the 1700s, when they discovered the beautiful creature on the American continent. Thanks so much for the reblog and for your support, my friend! Have a great day. 🙂

Hi, Linda. Thanks so much for your thoughtfulness and for your support. I’ve always been in love with butterflies and didn’t find out about the monarch’s plight (near-threatened status) until the late 1990s. Since monarch’s among my favorites, I just knew I had to write a book–and what better analogy for the human plight and life as well. Hope you get lots of butterflies in your garden too! ❤

How exciting–a new garden for our amazing monarchs to enjoy! Our milkweed tubers, once established, develop new plants from underground as well. I like to collect the seed pods and sprinkle them along paths and roadsides when out walking in the fall as well. Thanks for helping the cause. ❤

HI, Mary. Thanks so much. The title popped into my head when I spotted these beauties. They brought back childhood memories of blowing on those fairy-like dandelion seeds and making wishes as they danced in the sky. Wonders are found in the most unexpected places… Have an amazing day, my friend. ❤

Oh Bette, what beautiful words you have written. I am so delighted to be your neighbor over at #LMMLinkup today.

PS.. if you are looking for another place to link to on Thursday’s I would love if you would consider joining my new linkup #TuneInThursday – it opens Thursday 3am PST and runs through Sunday night. you can find it at debbiekitterman.com/blog (Please feel free to delete the link if you think it inappropriate).

Hi, Debbie. Thanks so much for the visit and for your lovely note and gracious invitation. You certainly brightened my day! 🙂 I look forward to following your blog and your #TuneInThursday. Have an amazing week, my new friend!

Love this, Bette! I remember a few years ago I found a milkweed plant in our yard and was able to get some great photos, too. I’m so glad you were able to get such a great photo and be inspired to write your poem. Blessings to you! Thanks for linking up with us at the #LMMLinkup. xo